Authors' note: New Year's Eve in the next couple of chapters! Enjoy the holiday along with the characters!
Ashley set a bowl of crisps down on the coffee table and smiled at her younger sister, who was currently pouting on the couch.
"Katie, you'll have fun with Caroline tonight," Ashley tried to reassure her. "And she's going to love seeing your new hair."
"But I wanted to show it to Jemima," Katie tossed her new fringe to the side.
"She'll see it in a couple of days when we're back at school," Ashley said.
"It's so cool," Katie said admiring the green streaks that Zoë had woven through her hair. "And I love how it moves now."
"It looks great," Ashley said to her.
Katie grinned. "I look at least thirteen now."
Julie came into the room with a couple of boxes of pizza. "Katie, have you packed your bag? Your dad's taking you to Caroline's in a few minutes... "
"In a minute," Katie said.
"Caroline's really looking forward to it," Julie said. "And she said that you two have something special planned for Emma's birthday."
"We do," Katie nodded. "Em has no idea."
Julie smiled. "Don't forget to take the present we have for her when you leave."
"I'll go put it in now," Katie replied, getting up.
Ashley smiled at her mother. "Thanks for letting me have my friends over, Mum."
"No problem," Julie replied.
"They should be arriving any moment," Ashley said.
"Are you excited?" Julie smoothed Ashley's hair back.
Ashley nodded. "I'm really looking forward to seeing Brit and Zander."
"I bet," Julie said. "We just didn't feel comfortable with Katie going to Jemima's, though."
"I don't blame you there, Mum," Ashley said.
"All in all though..." Julie said. "I'm not as worried about her as I thought I'd be. She's adjusted rather well."
"She has," Ashley agreed.
"Your father and I will stay out of your way tonight," Julie said as Katie came back in with her bag. "We'll be upstairs."
"Thanks, Mum," Ashley said gratefully.
"But behave yourselves," Julie said.
"Ashley always behaves herself," Katie said with a grin.
Ashley made a face but smiled back at her sister.
"Give Adam and Emma a big hug from me," Ashley told Katie.
"I will," Katie nodded.
"Have a good time," Ashley said to her sister.
Katie pouted. "I don't want to leave until Brit gets here."
"You want her to see your hair," Ashley said.
"Yeah cause it looks amazing," Katie said, running her fingers through it.
"Ashley!" Nick called out. "Your guests are here!"
"Perfect!" Katie squealed.
"Perfect timing!" Ashley corrected. "Come on then, Katie..."
Katie ran ahead of her to greet her sister's friends.
Brittany squealed when she saw Katie's hair. "Katie Malfoy!"
"It looks so amazing, doesn't it?" Katie asked. "Look at the streaks!"
Brittany nodded. "That's fabulous! Who did it?"
"My dad's stylist." Katie said. "I was sort of nervous at first, but then once she really started doing the streaks and stuff, I loved it."
"I do too," Brittany said touching a strand of Katie's hair. "This looks great, doesn't it, Celia?"
"It's pretty cool," Celia said.
Katie turned to say something when she saw a cute boy standing beside Zander. "Whoa..."
"Katie," Ashley nudged her. "Dad's waiting for you..."
"R-right," Katie stammered. "I'll---I'll see you later."
"Ash," Brittany said with a huge grin. "This... is James."
"Who is he?" Katie asked. "I don't remember seeing him at Hogwarts..."
"Katie," Ashley hissed.
"Fine," Katie sighed. "But I want details when I get home."
Ashley shook her head. "Happy New Year, Katie."
"Hot," Katie mouthed to her sister before turning and walking out of the room.
"Like I was saying," Brittany said. "Ashley Malfoy, this is James..."
"Hi," James said, his smile widening as he put his hand out.
Ashley smiled back at him. He was a few inches taller than she was, but quite handsome. He had dark brown hair and greenish blue eyes. "It's nice to meet you, James."
"You too," James said. "This is a great house."
"Thanks," Ashley smiled. "Um, we're going to be in our family room. If you'll all just follow me."
Ashley led them all into the sitting room. She noticed that Celia and Zander were walking quite closely together.
And he hadn't even said hello to her, Ashley thought.
She straightened her back. If he could have fun tonight, then so could she. Ashley thought she had no reason to be ashamed of finding James to be extremely cute.
"So you go to Hogwarts then?" James asked Ashley conversationally.
Ashley nodded. "Yes... what about you?"
"He goes to Beauxbatons," Brittany answered before James could. "His parents work at the French ministry and he's really into music."
Evan nudged Brittany. "Brit, I think James can speak for himself."
Ashley blushed a bit. "My dad's a musician," she said.
"Nick Malfoy," James nodded. "He's fantastic."
Ashley smiled at him. "Um... did you want something to drink?"
"That'd be great," James replied with a grin.
"I'll help you," Zander offered.
Ashley looked at him in surprise. "Thanks."
Zander nodded and followed her into the kitchen.
"How were the rest of your holidays?" he asked her.
"Nice," Ashley said smiling at him. "How were yours?"
"Great," Zander said. "Celia and I went into London yesterday and saw a movie."
Ashley felt a little stab of jealousy. "Oh, that's great."
"Yeah," Zander gazed at her. "We had a good time..."
Ashley forced a smile. "That's great."
She gathered an armload of drinks from the icebox. "Um... I put some popcorn and some crisps and stuff in the sitting room."
"I'll take those," Zander said reaching for the drinks. As he did so, his hand brushed against Ashley's.
Ashley bit her lip but avoided his eyes. She remembered only too well the events of last year at this time.
"Brit and Evan are going to be completely annoying tonight," Zander finally said.
"Probably," Ashley managed. "Snogging all over the place when midnight comes..."
Zander made a face. "That's when I'll run for the loo."
"I'll head for the basement," Ashley said.
Zander laughed. "We can share in the suffering."
"Well I'm sure Celia won't let you go it alone," Ashley replied softly.
"Right," Zander said. "Um, I guess we should go before they send out a search party."
"Right," Ashley replied.
Brittany had turned on some music.
"I hope you don't mind," Brittany said to Ashley.
"Its fine," Ashley replied as James smiled at her.
Ashley handed him a drink. "So, how long are you in London?"
"For the holidays," James replied. "I stayed with Evan's family this year."
"My grandmother was at Beauxbatons as well," Ashley told him.
"Was she?" James asked interestedly.
Ashley nodded. "Do you like going there?"
"It's great," James said. "But now I wish I went to Hogwarts..."
Ashley blushed.
Zander watched his best friend and James. He knew what Brittany was trying to do, but he didn't like it. James seemed like a nice enough bloke, but he and Ashley did not have anything in common, Zander thought.
"So why don't you show me around?" James asked Ashley.
"Um, sure," Ashley said standing up. "Celia, would you like to come with us? You've never seen the house either..."
"Can Zander come?" Celia asked.
"Sure," Ashley said. "Of course."
Celia smiled a bit nervously at Zander as he joined their group. To her surprise, he reached over and took her hand in his.
"How long have you lived here, Ashley?" James asked.
"As long as I can remember," Ashley told him.
"It's so big," Celia commented.
"You should see my grandparents' house," Ashley replied. "It's enormous."
"The Minister's estate?" Celia asked.
"Yes," Ashley nodded. "They actually closed parts of it off because it's only them there now."
Celia, Zander and James followed Ashley upstairs.
"I'll warn you my room's a bit of a mess," Ashley said. "I've been working on a project..."
"What sort of project?" James asked her. "Evan said you're an artist."
Ashley nodded and was about to say something when Zander chimed in.
"She's not just an artist, mate," Zander said. "She's brilliant."
"So I've heard," James replied, not gazing away from Ashley.
Ashley's cheeks turned red. She opened the door to her room and ushered them inside.
"Evan wasn't kidding," James said in awe. "And neither was Zander."
Zander smiled at his best friend. "Ash..."
"This isn't my best stuff," Ashley said shyly.
Zander was about to say something when James beat him to the punch.
"This looks like something that should be in a museum," James said admiring the painting on Ashley's easel.
"You really think so?" Ashley was flattered.
James nodded. "You're brilliant."
Ashley flushed an even deeper shade of red. "I have some sculpture I've done in the basement..."
"She's never showed those to me," Zander muttered.
"What?" Celia asked looking at him. "Did you say something?"
"No," Zander said. "Hey, how about we go back before Brittany eats all the food."
"We'll catch up with you lot later," James told him. "Ashley's going to show me around..."
Zander glared at him for a moment.
Zander took Celia's hand and led her downstairs. "What a wanker..."
"What's wrong with him?" Celia asked. "I thought he was very nice, and he obviously likes Ashley a lot."
"He's just saying he likes her art because he fancies her," Zander said as if the answer should be obvious.
"Why does that bother you?" Celia asked.
Zander sighed. "Because she's my best friend and I don't want to see her hurt."
"But no one says she's going to get hurt," Celia replied gently. "Come on Zander... Ashley's a big girl, and she's smart."
"Sorry," Zander said, nodding. "You're right."
Celia smiled at him. "You look really nice tonight," she said shyly.
Zander smiled. "Thanks. So do you."
Celia smiled at him. "And I'm really glad you invited me..."
"Me too," Zander said to her as they entered the family room again. Evan and Brittany were dancing together.
Brittany groaned. "Bad timing, Zander."
"Sorry, didn't realise this was a private party," Zander joked.
"It should be," Brittany said. "Where are James and Ashley?"
"Upstairs in her room," Celia replied.
Brittany gasped. "Are they snogging?"
"Of course not!" Zander snapped at her.
"Bite my head off," Brittany retorted.
"Zander?" Celia asked. "Why don't you play something on the piano?"
"Yeah," Evan nodded. "Show off a bit, mate."
Zander glared at his cousin before sitting down at the piano. He thought for a moment about what he could play.
He decided to play the song he'd written for Ashley a few years ago. It was still one of his favourite pieces.
Upstairs, Ashley froze when she heard the familiar melody. James looked up from her sketchbook. "What is it?"
"Zander's playing the piano," she said. "You should come hear him, he's positively amazing."
"Alright," James said setting the sketchbook aside and following her downstairs.
Ashley hurried ahead of him into the sitting room.
Brittany saw the look on her friend's face when she watched Zander. Ashley could say anything she wanted, but Brittany knew her friend still had feelings for Zander.
Zander was surprised when he looked up and saw Ashley standing in the room.
Ashley smiled at him.
"That's such a pretty song," Celia commented.
"Thanks," Zander said. "It's something I wrote awhile ago."
"It's gorgeous," Celia said. "And you wrote it?"
Zander nodded. "It's one of my favourite pieces."
Ashley sat down on the sofa. "I've always loved it too."
Zander chanced a look at her. "Thanks."
Ashley smiled a bit at him as James squeezed next to her on the sofa. "So tell me more about your sculpture," he said.
"Oh, well I've just started working with it," Ashley said. "But, I've always liked learning new things, you know?"
"I like learning about new people," James flirted.
Ashley laughed. "Do you?"
"Absolutely," he said.
Zander wondered what Ashley's parents would think if they saw her with James right now. Would they be as upset as they were this past summer when he was with Ashley?
"I never got to show you the basement," Ashley replied.
"I would love to see the basement," James said offering her his hand.
Zander opened his mouth to ask if he and Celia could tag along, but Ashley and James headed out of the room before he could.
"I knew they would hit it off," Brittany boasted.
"You think her parents are going to let her go out with him?" Zander asked. "Even after this summer?"
"What happened this summer?" Celia asked curiously.
Zander turned red. "Um... it's a long story."
"Oh," Celia said frowning.
"A really long story," Brittany said. "Come on, we'll dance while we wait for them."
Downstairs in the basement, Ashley was showing James some of her sculptures. "They're not much..."
"These are really fantastic," James said, walking around a bust that Ashley had been working on.
"I'm still learning," Ashley said. She couldn't believe this cute boy was interested in her art. Most boys would probably be bored to tears.
"I wish I had the patience for this sort of thing," James said. "I can hardly sit still most of the time."
"Really?" Ashley asked. with a grin.
"Yeah," he admitted sheepishly. "I do like playing the guitar though. I'm pretty good at that."
"Is that what you want to do?" Ashley asked him. "Be a musician?'
"I'd like to be, someday," James replied.
"I'd love to hear you play sometime," Ashley said softly.
"You would?" James asked. "Really?"
Ashley nodded.
"I've got my guitar at Evan's," James said. "Maybe before I wind up going home..."
Ashley smiled. "I'd like that, James."
James grinned at her and Ashley felt her stomach flutter. It was a surprising sensation.
"So, what's it like growing up the granddaughter of the Minister and the daughter of Nick Malfoy?" James asked.
Ashley shrugged. "It's not been too bad. I mean, sometimes when we go out, my dad gets a little mobbed, but we've learned to deal with it. My grandma always has Aurors protecting her, plus my grandpa is the head of that department."
"Must not be easy making friends, eh?" James asked thoughtfully. "Never knowing if someone will like you because of who you are and not who your family is."
"Not always," Ashley said. "Zander and Brittany were my first real friends, that liked me for who I was and not my dad or my grandparents."
"Well, I hope that you can learn to count me in that group as well," James said smiling at her again.
Ashley blushed. "I'd like that a lot."
"Me too," James said.
"I'm glad you came tonight," Ashley said, feeling a bit bold.
"You are?" James asked.
"Yeah," Ashley nodded.
James reached for her hand. "So, how about we go back upstairs and dance?"
"Okay," Ashley agreed, her stomach fluttering again as he wove their fingers together.
They were still holding hands when they entered the family room again.
Brittany beamed at her. "Hey, you two..."
Ashley smiled at her. "Are you lot having a good time?"
"Absolutely," Brittany replied. "Sophie's been entertaining us..."
Ashley grinned. "She loves to show off to people."
"She's so cute," Celia said. "She even has her nails painted..."
"That was my sister's doing," Ashley told her.
"That explains the green and silver," Brittany replied.
Ashley laughed. "She did have bows on her ears, but Sophie didn't like those..."
"Cant' blame her there," Zander muttered.
"Let's dance then, shall we?" James asked.
"Sure," Ashley replied, blushing again.
James led her to the middle of the room.
Zander tried not to look at Ashley as James pulled her closer to him. Instead he focused on Celia.
"Do you want to dance, Zander?" Celia asked softly.
"Sure," Zander agreed instantly.
Celia smiled. "I love this song."
"Yeah it's pretty cool," Zander agreed, putting his arms around her.
Celia stepped closer. "You know, I've fancied you for quite some time..."
Zander nodded. "I like you too, Cel."
"As much as Ashley?" Celia asked.
Zander looked at her, startled.
"I'm not an idiot," Celia said quietly. "I could tell that you fancied her..."
"I used to," Zander covered.
"She's very pretty and smart," Celia said looking over at the blonde.
"She's my best friend," Zander said.
Celia looked at him. "So, you don't fancy her anymore?"
"No," Zander said. He only felt like he was partially lying.
Celia smiled. "Good."
"So um... I'm glad you came with me tonight," Zander said truthfully.
"Me too," Celia said resting her head on his shoulder.
Zander had to admit this was nice, but it still didn't stop the tugging feeling in his stomach when he saw Ashley move closer to James.
She had said she did not want a boyfriend, but apparently she'd changed her tune.
It was true Ashley had thought she hadn't wanted to go through the troubles of a relationship, but she was enjoying James's company.
"Your friend sure is overprotective," James commented.
"He's just concerned," Ashley said. "It's not a big deal."
"If you're not worried, I'm not worried," James said pulling her closer.
Ashley grinned at him. "Not at all."
James smiled back at her. "Brit was singing your praises to me earlier."
"She didn't have to do that," Ashley protested.
"She didn't do you justice," James commented.
Ashley's face turned a very deep shade of red.
"You're blushing," James grinned.
"I can't help it," she murmured.
"Not used to getting compliments?" James guessed.
Ashley just shrugged.
"That's a shame," James commented.
Zander had seen enough. He excused himself from Celia on the guise of getting some air. To his dismay, he ran into Nick Malfoy.
"Mr. Malfoy," Zander said.
"Zander," Nick said with a grin. "How are you?"
"Fine, sir," Zander said nervously.
"I was just going down to the studio," Nick said.
"Oh," Zander nodded. "You and Professor Malfoy aren't going anywhere for tonight?"
Nick shook his head. "That's what happens when you get old..."
"You guys aren't old," Zander laughed, still nervous.
"Thank you," Nick replied. "Come on...you can keep me company..."
"I can?" Zander nearly squeaked.
"Sure," Nick replied, motioning for Zander to follow him.
Zander gulped and followed Ashley's father downstairs.
"How's your music going?" Nick asked conversationally.
"All right," Zander said. "I really don't have a lot of time to work on it."
"You should make time," Nick said turning on the lights. "You have a gift, Zander."
"I try to play in the summer," he replied.
"And holidays?" Nick asked.
Zander nodded, staying near the doorway.
"You don't have to be so nervous," Nick reassured him. "Though, I can understand why you are. I know things didn't go smoothly this past summer..."
Zander shook his head wordlessly.
"We thought Ashley was a little too young to be so serious about someone," Nick said.
Zander didn't really know what to say to Nick Malfoy so he only nodded.
"I'm sorry regardless," Nick said. "I grew up with a father who didn't really care what I did as long as I didn't embarrass him."
"You did?" Zander asked. He knew a bit about Ashley's grandparents.
Nick nodded. "I always thought if I ever had children, I'd be different. So, I hope Ashley and Katie can forgive me for being a little overprotective."
"I'm sure she does," Zander said. "Ashley loves both of you very much."
Nick smiled. "And we're lucky that she's made such good friends."
Zander smiled back at him. "Thanks."
"She gets a little caught up when she's working," Nick said. "I hope you and Brittany will help her take a breather every now and again..."
"We will," Zander promised.
Nick grinned. "Would you like to hear my latest song?"
"Sure," Zander said. "That would be cool."
Nick pressed a button on the panel and the studio was filled with the sounds of his new song.
It was a bit different from the style he'd always had but Zander liked it. "I'm sure that will be a big hit," he told Nick once it was done.
Nick grinned. "Thanks, Zander."
"I should probably get back up to the party," Zander momentarily thought about telling Nick about James, but decided against it.
"Right," Nick nodded. "Thanks for listening."
Zander nodded. "Happy New Year, sir."
"Happy New Year," Nick said. "And...Zander?"
"Yes?" Zander turned around.
"Good luck to you," Nick said.
"Thanks," Zander said, stumbling a little as he headed back upstairs.
His friends were sitting on one of the sofas watching the telly.
"Everything okay?" Brittany asked him.
"Yeah," Zander said. "I was talking to Mr. Malfoy."
Ashley's eyes grew large. "You were..."
"Yeah he played his new song for me," Zander told her.
Ashley smiled. "He hasn't even played it for us yet."
"Really?" Zander asked. "We were talking about my music too. Just for a few minutes..."
"That's great," Celia said reaching for his hand.
Brittany pointed excitedly at the television. "Look! It's nearly midnight!"
"Already?" Zander asked.
Celia nodded. "Time flies when you're having fun!"
"Right," Zander said. "I shouldn't have been gone for so long."
James grabbed Ashley's hand and pulled her to her feet. "Ten...nine...eight..."
Brittany also jumped up and pulled on Evan's arm. "Come on, we'll go in here," she said, motioning to the dining room.
Ashley laughed. She had a feeling what her best friend would be doing in there.
"Seven...six...five," James continued his countdown. Ashley joined in.
"Four...three...two...one," Ashley said happily. She was about to tell him Happy New Year when she was surprised by his lips pressing gently to hers.
Her eyes popped wide open, but then closed as she forgot that Zander and Celia were still in the room with them.
Zander felt like he was just punched in the stomach as he watched James and Ashley snogging. He turned and smiled at Celia. He pulled her close and kissed her.
He could tell he'd taken Celia completely by surprise. They'd had a few dates now, but they had never kissed before.
"Wow," Celia said breathlessly.
"That was great," Zander said.
Celia nodded and hugged him tightly. "Happy New Year, Zander!"
"You too," Zander said. He noticed with some jealousy that James and Ashley still hadn't stopped kissing.
"This is going to be a great New Year," Celia was saying.
Zander wished he could agree with her.
At the Weasley house, Allison and Jon were upstairs waiting for the results of her pregnancy test. With everything that had been going on, they hadn't had time to take one until now. Jon had slipped out to the chemist and bought one of those Muggle tests.
"Mummy!" Caroline squealed, running into the bedroom with Katie and Emma in tow. "It's New Year's!"
"So it is," Allison forced a smile onto her face.
"Where's your brother?" Jon asked scooping Emma up.
"Adam's sleeping," Emma rolled her eyes. "He didn't last long, Daddy!"
"That's okay, sweetheart," Jon kissed her on the cheek.
"We're going to watch a movie now," Caroline said to Allison. "If that's okay..."
"Sure," Allison replied. "We've set up your sleeping bags in the sitting room."
Jon set Emma down. "I'll be down to tuck you in, in just a few minutes."
"Kay," Emma said happily hurrying after her sister and Katie.
"How much longer?" Jon asked Allison when they were alone.
"A few more minutes," Allison said. "I'm so nervous Jon..."
Jon sat back down beside her. "It'll be fine, no matter what."
"But another kid?" Allison asked.
"No matter what," Jon said putting his arm around her. "Do you remember when we living in the flat above the shop and we talked about having kids?"
Allison nodded. "Of course I do."
Jon smiled. "You said that I would be in charge of all dirty nappies."
"And look how well that worked out," Allison said wryly.
"I put in my time," Jon protested.
Allison smiled at him. "You have..." she said. "You're a wonderful father."
"And you're a great mother," Jon said. "They all adore you, you know."
"Those three are everything to me," Allison said.
Jon kissed her. "I love you."
"I love you too," she said softly.
"Daddy! Adam's crying for you!" Caroline called out.
Jon squeezed Allison's hand. "I'll be right back, Al."
"I'll check the results," Allison said, taking a deep breath.
"Wait for me," Jon told her. "We should look at it together."
"Okay," Allison said. "Hurry."
Jon nodded. "I promise."
Jon practically ran downstairs. Adam was crying while the three girls were watching their movie.
Jon picked his son up and hugged him. "What is it, buddy?"
"Bad d-dream," Adam stammered.
"What was it?" Jon asked. "You know it's not real, buddy."
"Want Mummy," Adam said.
"Okay," Jon said, standing up. "Let's go see Mummy."
Adam buried his face in Jon's shoulder as his father carried him upstairs.
"What's wrong?" Allison asked as Jon carried him in.
"He had a bad dream," Jon said handing him off to Allison. "Wanted to see you."
Allison held her arms out. "Come here love."
Adam put his little arms around Allison's neck.
"What is it sweetheart?" Allison kissed the side of his head.
"Big monster," Adam replied.
"There's no monster," Allison said soothingly.
Adam buried his face in her shoulder.
Allison rubbed her little boy's back. "Tell Mummy about it."
Adam sniffed and looked up at her. "Monster under my bed, Mummy. He tried to get me and I called for you..."
"I would have come to make him go away," Allison said.
Adam put his arms around her neck and hugged her tightly.
"I'd never let anyone get you," Allison kissed the side of his head. "I love my boy so much."
"Love Mummy," Adam said.
Allison hugged him to her. "Happy New Year, my love."
Jon sat down on the bed beside his wife. He patted his son's back. "You want to stay up here with us, buddy?"
Adam nodded and wiped his eyes.
Jon grinned. "That's my boy."
"I should go check that test," Allison said.
"I'll stay here with Adam," Jon said gingerly taking him from Allison.
"No!" Adam wailed.
Jon knew that he'd be fighting a losing battle if he tried to keep Adam from Allison. Allison took Adam back. "I'm not going anywhere," Allison said hugging him to her. "Jon...Go in the loo...if there are two lines on the stick..."
"I'll bring it back out here," Jon said.
"Thanks," Allison said. She leaned back on the bed and Adam cuddled up beside her. "Everything's okay, Adam Jonathan..."
"No monsters," Adam said in a small voice.
"No monsters," Allison agreed. "Your daddy and I will keep them away. I promise."
"Al?" Jon called. "What did you say it was if there are two lines?"
"Positive," Allison called back. "Are---are there two lines?"
Jon came out holding the stick.
"Two lines," he said holding it up for her to see.
Allison felt her face go pale. "Jon..."
"We're having another baby," Jon said, a smile playing on his lips.
Allison nodded. She felt like her head was spinning.
"How are you feeling?" Jon asked.
"Scared," Allison admitted.
"Scared too," Adam said. "Monster."
Allison patted his back. "It's okay, baby."
"Mummy scared too," Adam said.
Allison nodded. "Yes..."
"Why?" Adam asked.
Allison didn't have an answer for him. The truth was she liked her family the way it was. She liked her life the way it was. A baby complicated things.
"It'll be okay, Al," Jon said. "We can make this work."
Adam patted her arm. "No sad, Mummy. Kay?"
"I'll try, baby," Allison said softly.
Jon sat down beside her and gave her a kiss. "Can I do anything?"
Allison just shook her head. "I don't know."
He reached for her hand.
"Why are you sad?" Adam asked.
"I'm not sad," Allison said honestly. "I'm just surprised is all."
"Why?" Adam demanded.
"Well," Allison thought for a moment. "Um...it's..."
Jon looked at his son. "Well, buddy. It's kind of like how you feel when you're not expecting something and you come home and there's a big chocolate cake waiting for you...."
"Where's cake?" Adam asked.
Allison had to laugh at that. "Nice analogy, Jon."
"Got to put it in terms a Weasley understands," he said.
"Where's cake?" Adam asked again.
"There's not really any cake, son," Jon said.
"Oh," Adam frowned.
"Adam," Allison said. "In a few months... you won't be the baby anymore."
Adam looked curiously at her.
"I'm going to have a baby," Allison said.
"Baby?" Adam asked.
"It's in here," Allison patted her stomach.
Adam looked curiously at Allison's stomach and gently patted it. "I was there!"
Allison smiled. "Yes you were."
Jon tickled his son's side. "How was it in there, buddy?"
Adam thought for a moment. "I don't know."
Jon laughed. "Well, you can talk to the baby and tell him or her what it's like out here."
"Okay," Adam nodded.
Allison kissed his cheek. "You'll be a big brother, Adam."
"Have a boy," Adam said to his mother.
"You don't want another sister?" Jon asked.
Adam shook his head. "Too many."
Allison laughed again. "Too many sisters?"
"No more Em," Adam replied.
Allison tickled his side. "Emma loves you."
Adam looked at her doubtfully.
"She does and you love her," Allison said.
"Sometimes," Adam laid his head on her shoulder.
"That's the way I felt about Drew and Darla," Jon said dryly.
"Where Rafe?" Adam asked.
"I imagine he's fast asleep," Allison said. "It's way past his bedtime."
"Yours too," Jon told his son.
"Stay here," Adam said.
"You can stay here," Jon nodded.
Adam grinned. "Love Daddy."
"I better go make sure the girls are tucked in," Allison said.
"You okay hanging with me, buddy?" Jon asked Adam.
Adam nodded.
Allison kissed Adam on the cheek. "I'll be right back. I promise."
"Keep baby safe," Adam said.
Allison smiled. "I will, Adam."
Allison headed downstairs to make sure Katie, Caroline and Emma were safely tucked in and didn't need anything.
The girls were watching the movie and giggling. "Hi, Mummy!" Emma waved at her.
"Hi girls," Allison smiled. "Are you all set for the night?"
Caroline nodded. "Is Adam okay?"
"He's fine," Allison said. "Nightmare."
Emma got out of her blankets and made a move for the sweets on the coffee table. "Emma," Allison shook her head. "You eat that and you'll be up all night."
"But that's what we want," Emma pouted.
Allison laughed and pulled Emma close. "That's what YOU want."
"Mummy?" Emma asked. "Can I do my hair like Katie?"
"When you're older," Allison replied.
"Yay!" Emma clapped her hands together.
"If your parents let you do streaks we could soooooo look alike," Katie said to Caroline.
Caroline grinned. "That would be cool!"
"It matches my uniform perfectly," Katie twisted a lock of her hair around her finger.
"It looks really great," Allison told her.
"I was totally nervous," Katie said. "But just at first."
Emma looked at her mother. "If I got green streaks, I'd be like Christmas!"
Allison laughed. "Yes you would, baby."
Emma slid back under her blankets.
"There's something I wanted to tell you," Allison said softly.
"What?" Emma asked. "That I can have sweets?"
Caroline giggled. "Emma--not everything revolves around food."
Allison smoothed back Emma's hair. "I found out something interesting just before I came down here."
"What?" Caroline asked.
"That I'm pregnant," Allison replied.
Caroline grinned. "Really?"
Allison nodded. "What do you girls think about that?"
Caroline threw back her blankets and gave her mother a hug. "I'm so happy!"
Allison kissed the top of her oldest daughter's head.
"Me too," Emma said.
Katie tugged on one of Emma's curls. "One more little kid to boss around, eh, Em?"
Emma giggled. "I don't do that."
"You do," Caroline told her little sister. "That's why Adam doesn't like playing games with you. You tell him that he has to play by your rules, Em."
"I have good rules," Emma replied.
Katie laughed. "Em, you make them up as you go."
Emma just grinned at her.
Allison gave Emma a hug. "You'll be a good big sister again."
"Another girl, okay?" Emma asked her.
"Adam said he wanted a boy," Allison said.
"But another girl would be prettier," Emma countered.
"Oh yeah?" Allison asked nudging Emma.
"Yeah," Emma giggled.
"Congratulations, Aunt Allie," Katie said.
"Thank you sweetheart," Allison told her.
"Where will the baby sleep?" Emma asked.
"We aren't sure yet," Allison replied.
"The baby can share with Adam," Caroline said. "And once we know what it's going to be we can help you decorate, Mummy."
"If it's a boy, it will share with Adam," Allison said. "If it's a girl..."
"You guys can get a bigger house," Katie said thoughtfully.
"That might wind up being what we do," Allison said although truthfully she had no clue how they'd afford it.
Allison tucked her girls in and headed upstairs. She stood outside the door. She heard Jon's voice as he was obviously telling Adam a bedtime story. Her heart swelled as she saw Adam's head on Jon's chest.
Perhaps having another baby wasn't the end of the world. It meant a lot of change and some sacrifice, but she had three amazing children already.
Jon finished the story and looked down at his son. Adam was fast asleep. Jon looked up to see Allison standing in the doorway. "Hi..."
"Hey," she whispered.
"How are the girls?" Jon asked.
"They'll be asleep soon," Allison replied.
"You tell them?" Jon asked as Allison got into bed.
Allison nodded. "I hope you don't mind."
Jon shook his head. "No, not at all."
"It's a lot to think about," Allison replied.
"We'll make it work," Jon reassured her. "We always have, you know? It hasn't been easy, but we've found a way."
Allison slipped into bed next to Adam. "We sure have," she said, gazing down at her son's sleeping face.
"You were great with him," Jon said.
"He's my boy," Allison said.
Jon smiled at her.
Allison sighed and laid her head on the pillow. "Another baby..."
"How do you feel about this?" Jon asked her. "Honestly, Al."
"A bit terrified," Allison admitted.
"Me too," Jon replied. "You're not alone in that."
"It's just such a huge responsibility on top of what we already have," Allison said.
"Things are going well at the pub," Jon said. "And I can start offering flying lessons again for some extra money..."
"You think that will help?" Allison asked. "Because I'm not going to be able to work for a few months."
Jon nodded. "Yeah or I can put in some shifts at the shop for my dad."
"Jon--" Allison began.
"I don't mind," Jon cut her off. "I'm going to do whatever I can to provide for our family."
"I'll work as long as I can," Allison promised.
Jon squeezed her hand. "We'll do it, Al."
Allison touched the side of his face. "Did you ever think we'd have four kids?"
"You have five if you count me," Jon grinned cheekily.
Allison laughed. "I do love you, Jonathan Weasley."
"I love you too," Jon said.
"I guess another one like ours wouldn't be so bad," Allison said. "We've been lucky so far."
"Yes, we have," Jon agreed.
Allison smoothed Adam's damp red hair off his forehead.
"Mummy," Adam murmured.
"I'm here, baby," she whispered.
Adam turned toward her.
"No monsters," she said softly.
Adam put his arm around her and Allison kissed his forehead.
Jon turned off the bedside lamp. "Happy New Year, Al."
"What a way to begin it, eh?" Allison asked.
Jon grinned. "Wouldn't have it any other way."